In the past few years, the Russian Federation has adopted a number of laws significantly restricting fundamental rights and freedoms. Some of these new laws undermine the guarantees of the right to freedom of association-in particular, by introducing concepts such as 'non-profit organizations performing the functions of a foreign agent' and 'undesirable international and foreign non-governmental organizations'. Being branded a 'foreign agent' or 'undesirable organization' leads to substantial restrictions or, in certain cases, a total ban on activities, heavy fines and potential criminal charges.

Below is a brief overview of how the 'foreign agents' and 'undesirable organizations' laws are enforced in Russia. A report is written by the Public Verdict Foundation with support of the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum and the Civic Solidarity Platform